Accessories Design Release Engineer - Seat Complete

Contechs Consulting Limited; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Contechs Consulting Limited seeks a Design Release Engineer (Accessories) – Seat Complete in Troy, Michigan, to lead the design release of seating systems and associated accessories for electric mobility projects.

You will apply APQP, DFMEA, and DVP&R with cross-functional teams, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with suppliers and vehicle integration teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in automotive seating system engineering.
• Experience with APQP/DFMEA/DVP&R is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design release for Seat Complete systems including JIT components, foam, trim and structures.
• Ensure APQP documentation and regulatory compliance across products.
• Collaborate with sourcing and vehicle integration teams for optimal part selection.
• Manage changes and release processes, and support validation for seating systems.

Skills

Seat design release

CATIA V5 experience

PLM release

Regulatory knowledge FMVSS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V5

PLM systems

Job description

Position: Design Release Engineer (Accessories) – Seat Complete

Sector: Interior & Exterior Systems

Location: Troy, Michigan USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

Our client is looking for a Design Release Engineer (Accessories) – Seat Complete to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be based in Troy, Michigan USA.

JOB DESCRIPTION

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Our Client is seeking a dynamic, experienced Accessories Design Release Engineer – Seat Complete to join our growing team.
• This role will be responsible for the design and release of Electric Power Steering systems for vehicles, ensuring that steering target performance and features, as well as FMVSS requirements, are met.
• The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets.
• Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Seat Complete systems including integration of JIT components, Foam, Trim, Structures, Heat and Vent.
• Directly impact occupant comfort being responsible for the design and release of the Seat complete, including supporting hardware and software.
• Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing in the sourcing of new Seating components / systems, whether for material cost reductions or new platforms, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
• Create, specify, and release Seating components, working directly with our Vehicle Integration teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like removable trim covers, heated and vented trim covers, audio accessories and more) are properly accommodated by the Seat and Electrical systems.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labeling.
• Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Act as the primary liaison with suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
• Engage with Accessories, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust Seating systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the Seating system, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive Seating System engineering.Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
• Seat JIT Integration.
• Seat complete FMVSS, IIHS and other 3rd party rating validation.
• Seat foam and trim design.
• Seat Structure design.
• Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specification.
• Strong understanding of occupant kinematics and their effects on vehicle validation.
• Experience working with Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.). Modeling skills are also a plus.
• Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
• Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
• Technical writing and documentation experience.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical trade-offs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Work Authorization Requirement

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our Client is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process